Are metal roofs a good thing? (roofing, heat, color, stone)

[Father John]

I see a number of homes with metal roofs. This is a new phenomenon to me. I have seen shingle, of course, and shake. We have tile out here in Arizona. What are the advantages and disadvantages of metal? Thanks!

[Tony1790]

If you find a good installer and they do it right, you will be dead before you need a new roof (50 yr roof). But regular old asphalt shingles are cheaper. I personally like metal roofs (painted), they make it nice to run water off for a cistern and have extra water for gardening, car washing, etc

Metal roofs are great looking on log cabins.

tony

[chubacca]

They last a lot longer than shingles/tile but I personally don't like the way they look.

[southernlady5464]

I LOVE them, esp the way they sound with rain hitting them.

We had one on a mtn house and laying in bed at night with the rain hitting the metal roof was music to the ears.

Installed correctly, they are a good choice.

Metal roof - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Advantages of a metal roof: Usually lasts about twice as long as an asphalt roof. Tends to reflect more heat away (saving energy in the summer in southern climates). Resistant to damage from hail, branches, wind and forest fires. Lightweight so less roof sag. Brighter smoother colors. Rainwater harvesting systems may use metal roofs in order to limit contamination of water that has flowed over it.

Liz

[aiangel_writer]

After a very bad hail storm last year, we decided to go with metal roof instead of shingle, they do hold up better during storms and since I have western cedar and stone for siding on m yhouse, with the added metal roof matching the stain trim of my home, I now have a country cottage look that is really charming.

Our roof is guaranteed tohold upmuch better than the shingle roof. I have been very pleased with mine, and yes, it was much more expensive to put on, but well worth it.

[Davart]

Metal is lighter then shingle, therefore you have less downward pressure on your home causing less (or at least) slower settling. If you go with metal roof, I use a double bubble under it (no not the gum) it's looks like bubble wrap, much, much stronger. It is a insulation barrier between the roof and the decking, keeps the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. And improves the life of the roof which is already 50-75 years.

[yellowsnow]

If your angles are correct, they also shed snow. You don't have to shovel the roof. The metal roofs last longer than anything else. You can buy them pre enameled and they never need painting either. I like them. I also have a neighbor who put metal on his roof and it looks just like slate shingles from the ground.

[pslOldTimer]

In Florida, shingles blow off during a hurricane. Wood shakes are too much of a fire hazard. Concrete or barrel tile is nice, but very expensive. Metal seems like the ideal surface. If properly installed, it is much more likely to survive a hurricane, especially as other roofing systems get older, and therefore weaker. Metal retains it's strength even long after the shine is gone.

I prefer the natural silver color -- it reflects more heat than anything else, except possibly enameled white. The manufacturers guarantee their baked enamel systems for 20 years, but most guarantee their natural finish for 25 years or longer. If the finish does fail and the roof has to be painted, it's a lot easier to paint a silver finish than to match the original baked enamel.

[Miami Vice]

I wonder if lightning strikes are an issue with them?

[recycled]

Originally Posted by Davart

Metal is lighter then shingle, therefore you have less downward pressure on your home causing less (or at least) slower settling. If you go with metal roof, I use a double bubble under it (no not the gum) it's looks like bubble wrap, much, much stronger. It is a insulation barrier between the roof and the decking, keeps the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. And improves the life of the roof which is already 50-75 years.

that's true. Another plus of "bubble under metal" is to reduce the noise from rain or hail. It puts a sound cushion under the metal that dulls the otherwise "metallic" sound from rain or hail hitting a metal roof.